Hello,
we have two plots available and cannot decide between them 🙁 .
Plot 1 faces south and is extremely narrow, so we cannot fit our dream house there. We would have to position the house with the shorter side toward the street, which doesn’t really improve the situation. Our floor plan is very limited, and we are facing many compromises.
Plot 2 is significantly wider, and our dream house would fit well. The problem is it faces north. The plot size is only 670m2 (7,210 ft2), so the house would probably take up almost the entire garden. I’m not especially sun-seeking but would still like to sit outside with guests in the sun occasionally.
What do you think?
Our architect suggests choosing the second plot because the south-facing location is often too hot anyway.
we have two plots available and cannot decide between them 🙁 .
Plot 1 faces south and is extremely narrow, so we cannot fit our dream house there. We would have to position the house with the shorter side toward the street, which doesn’t really improve the situation. Our floor plan is very limited, and we are facing many compromises.
Plot 2 is significantly wider, and our dream house would fit well. The problem is it faces north. The plot size is only 670m2 (7,210 ft2), so the house would probably take up almost the entire garden. I’m not especially sun-seeking but would still like to sit outside with guests in the sun occasionally.
What do you think?
Our architect suggests choosing the second plot because the south-facing location is often too hot anyway.
Are the plots located within the same development? What about traffic or other noise? Is the price per square meter the same?
If everything else were equal, I would probably choose the south-facing plot. How wide is the building envelope? A house is only as perfect as it fits the plot. I have seen excellent houses with just 7m (23 feet) in width.
If everything else were equal, I would probably choose the south-facing plot. How wide is the building envelope? A house is only as perfect as it fits the plot. I have seen excellent houses with just 7m (23 feet) in width.
Floor plans adapt to the land plot, not the other way around. Especially nowadays, when the ideal plot may still be hard to find even after several years. Therefore, I would choose the better plot first and not base this decision on floor plan ideas.
For working professionals, the west orientation can be more appealing.
For working professionals, the west orientation can be more appealing.
The plot determines the house and its floor plan.
Even on north-facing plots, the common standard house type often still fits if you mirror the floor plan diagonally or, for example, swap the kitchen and living room or the utility room with a guest room. The pre-designed standard houses are usually planned on a structural grid that allows such adjustments to the statics. Adding a second or third terrace and changing window areas can also bring light and quiet zones into places where you wouldn’t initially expect them.
In general, however, it is the wrong approach to fall in love with a standard house before selecting the plot.
Personally, I find narrow houses, inspired by houseboats, much more interesting and airy than a typical 10 by 10 meter (33 by 33 feet) design.
Even on north-facing plots, the common standard house type often still fits if you mirror the floor plan diagonally or, for example, swap the kitchen and living room or the utility room with a guest room. The pre-designed standard houses are usually planned on a structural grid that allows such adjustments to the statics. Adding a second or third terrace and changing window areas can also bring light and quiet zones into places where you wouldn’t initially expect them.
In general, however, it is the wrong approach to fall in love with a standard house before selecting the plot.
Personally, I find narrow houses, inspired by houseboats, much more interesting and airy than a typical 10 by 10 meter (33 by 33 feet) design.
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